4 Thai nationals kidnapped in southern Nigeria

Four Thail nationals working with the oil rich Rivers State government in southeastern Nigeria were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen, local officials said on Saturday. State commissioner for agriculture Emma Chinda told Xinhua on phone that the Thai workers were whisked away Friday while they were on their way to the state government-owned fish farm in Buguma area of the state. Chinda said one Nigerian, who was also among those kidnapped, later died in a bid to escape, as the kidnappers forced all of them into a waiting boat. They later released two Nigerians, he said. "As I speak with you, efforts are being made to secure the release of the expatriates," he added. State police spokesperson Angela Agabe also confirmed the incident, but declined to give more details. Rivers State has one of the largest economies in Nigeria, mainly because of its crude oil. So far, no group has claimed responsibility and no ransom has been demanded. Abduction is not uncommon in Nigeria, with more than 500 Nigerians and foreigners seized in the oil-rich Niger Delta region since 2006. Almost all have been released unharmed after paying a ransom.